Shloka 19
Adhyāya 142: Cyavana, the Devas’ Arrogance, and Vāyu’s Counsel on Protecting Brāhmaṇas
मनो: पुत्रश्न सुद्युम्नो लिखिताय महात्मने । दण्डमुद्धृत्य धर्मेण गतो लोकाननुत्तमान्,मनुपुत्र राजा सुद्युम्न महात्मा लिखितको धर्मतः दण्ड देकर परम उत्तम लोकोंमें गये
Manoḥ putraḥ sa Sudyumno Likhitāya mahātmane | daṇḍam uddhṛtya dharmeṇa gato lokān anuttamān ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “Si Sudyumna, anak ni Manu at isang hari, matapos magpatupad ng daṇḍa—ang kapangyarihang magparusa—ayon sa dharma, ay nakamit ang mga daigdig na walang kapantay; gayundin si Likhita na may dakilang diwa—sa pamamagitan ng matuwid na asal at wastong paggamit ng kapangyarihan.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that the rightful exercise of authority—especially punishment (daṇḍa) administered strictly according to dharma—becomes a source of merit, leading to exalted spiritual results rather than moral downfall.
Bhishma cites exemplary figures—Sudyumna (son of Manu) and the noble Likhita—to illustrate that those who uphold dharma through proper governance and disciplined justice attain the highest realms.